Mining, Communities, and Sustainable Development: Las Chispas Case in Arizpe, Sonora

Abstract

Objective: to identify real job and/or entrepreneurship possibilities for Arizpe, Sonora, residents in Las Chispas mining project. Mixed methodology: descriptive analysis, using surveys and interviews to Arizpe residents and strategic actors. Results: the inhabitants’ majority reveal a lack of interest in working for the mining company, regardless of schooling, and due to the fact that they don’t know how to start a business. Value: mining has changed and the use of technology in its processes constitutes an obstacle for residents work in in it, overturning one of the factors that the theoretical debate raises as the main benefit, the generation of employment. Limitations: only 8% of the economically active population was surveyed. Conclusions: It is unlikely that the sustainability postulates will be met due to the camp is far away from the community and because the operation is not integrating with it. It is observed negative reciprocity and indications of a horizon of coercion.